Food Matters Live Podcast

What does meaningful progress towards sustainability in the food industry actually look like?Is it setting ambitious targets and regular transparent reporting? Possibly.But the key thing is how those targets affect things on the ground, the tangible benefits we see as a result.In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with AAK, we look at targeted initiatives that are creating impact at scale, while also addressing some of the sector’s most complex challenges.We learn about efforts to empower women in West Africa (and find out all about rocket stoves), how data is being used to drive regenerative agricultural practices in Swedish Rapeseed, and we tackle the tough questions around palm oil.AAK are a lead partner for the Food Matters Live events in Rotterdam and Ascot.AAKAAK are experts in plant-based oils and fats, the value-adding ingredients in many products people love to consume. They make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining their desire to understand what Making Better Happen™ means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of their production assets, and deep knowledge of products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice, and Personal Care. Meet AAK at Food Matters Live in Ascot and Rotterdam where they will be showcasing their innovative ingredient solutions in their technical tasting and insight session.

What happens when a booming sports nutrition market collides with regulatory reality and patchy evidence?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, a panel of industry experts delve into the commercial realities facing sports nutrition brands today.They discuss health claims, the novel foods approval process, and maximum vitamin limits.But it's not all about regulation. This episode covers the latest active nutrition trends and consumer behaviours.Active nutrition now covers everyone from couch-to-5K runners to elite athletes, but what they want and need can vary greatly.

When it comes to new product development, trends are a huge factor in what gets made and what doesn't. But which food trends deserve the hype and which are flying under the radar? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, we gather a panel of industry experts to discuss what's overhyped and underestimated in NPD right now. Our panellists pull no punches: artificial sweeteners have failed to tackle obesity, lion's mane mushrooms are being oversold as superfoods, and the protein obsession on TikTok is driving meat consumption back up for the first time in years. Meanwhile, fermentation remains criminally underestimated as the missing piece in our nutritional puzzle, and pulses offer untapped potential for both human and planetary health. And, of course, the topic of AI comes up - just how much of an impact is it having (and will it have) on NPD in the food sector?

Have you ever wondered what it would take to feed 10 billion people without destroying the planet?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in May 2025, we tackle this question head-on with a leading researcher from the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at Imperial College London.Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro breaks down the uncomfortable truths about our current food system: agriculture accounts for 33% of global greenhouse gas emissions, we are wasting 30% of everything we produce, and yet demand is skyrocketing as the world population heads toward 10 billion by 2050.He explores three game-changing approaches to alternative proteins that could solve this puzzle, and reveals how cutting-edge science is making the impossible possible, including yeast that's been launched to space to tackle the cost of feeding astronauts. But the real story is how these breakthrough technologies could transform food production right here on Earth.Guest:Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Director, the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein

Picture yourself standing in the supermarket aisle, reading a food label that promises the world: "Boosts immunity!", "Burns fat naturally!", "Scientifically proven results!" - and finding yourself wondering: "Wait, can they actually say that?"In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in November 2024, we tackle a deceptively simple question: Who's actually watching what food companies say about nutrition, and are the current rules fit for purpose in our digital age?Our guest speaker unpacks the world of nutrition regulations, from the glaring gaps in current legislation to the wild west of social media marketing. We explore how traditional advertising rules are being challenged by Instagram stories and TikTok videos, and whether artificial intelligence might hold the key to monitoring the millions of nutrition claims made every day across digital platforms.Lewis Wallis, Regulatory Affairs Advisor, Campden BRI

Think back to the times in your life when you saw a food product on a shelf that really stopped you in your tracks and made you say "wow". Maybe it even ended up disrupting a whole sector, with competitors rushing to emulate the success of that particular product. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Raps, we ask a simple question: Are we seeing enough genuine innovation in the food and drink sector, or is the industry playing it safe? We discuss the challenges of new product development, the importance of genuine innovation, and the role of consumer trends in shaping food products. Along the way, we delve into some of the complex questions around product formulation and the need for culinary creativity to meet evolving consumer demands and eating habits Raps is taking on a key role at Food Matters Live in Ascot in October 2025. Guests: Leo Bewers, Business Development Chef, Raps UK Leila Lawrence, Market Development Manager, Raps UK

It is clear that having access to good data is a key requirement for any food business trying to reach sustainability targets, but what does that look like in practice?In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our event held in Manchester in November 2024, we hear from a leading figure about their journey with data and sustainability.Meredith Ford is Head of Sustainability for the UK and Ireland at SSP International, a food service provider operating in airports and train stations all around the world.Meredith shares insights on leveraging data to analyse carbon footprints, the importance of prioritising actions based on data, and the challenges of changing consumer perceptions about sustainability. She also highlights various experiments conducted to optimise menus and product ranges for lower carbon impact, emphasising the alignment of sustainability with commercial goals. 

The whole of the food industry is affected by science-based targets on sustainability - but whose targets are they? Are we aiming to satisfy consumer demand, the wants and needs of investors, or is the industry simply following what regulators say needs to be done? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in November 2024, our expert panel offer their views on who is driving the push for sustainability. The discussion also delves into the challenges of data integrity, the significance of Scope 3 emissions, and the need for supplier engagement.  They delve into the evolving landscape of sustainability within organisations, focusing on carbon literacy, fish stock management, climate disclosures, and the integration of science-based targets.  Gina Camfield, Head of ESG, Aramark UK & Global Offshore Paul Irwin-Rhodes, Head of Sustainability and SHE, Greggs Chris Shearlock, Sustainability Director Europe, Thai Union

How can partnerships help overcome the barriers to regenerative agriculture and drive lasting change in the food system? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our event in Manchester in November 2024, we once again explore how industry is embracing the move towards regenerative agriculture, but crucially through the lense of the power of partnerships.Our panel discusses the importance of financial incentives for farmers, the barriers to adopting regenerative practices, and the need for a systemic change in the agricultural sector. They also highlight the significance of measuring outcomes beyond carbon reduction, such as biodiversity and soil health, to ensure the long-term success of regenerative agriculture.Guests:Andrew Voysey, Chief Impact officer, Soil CapitalLuc Beerens, Global Sustainable Sourcing Director, Mars Incorporated

Does ultra-processed plant-based food have a role to play in the future of sustainable nutrition?Huge strides have been made in the plant-based sector and benefits continue to be discovered, yet the market is plateauing. With an increasing backlash against ultra-processed foods targeting the sector, plant-based doesn’t always carry the allure it once did. Has the opportunity been over-hyped or can new ingredients and technologies inject new life and nutritional value into the market? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded at our event in Manchester in 2024, an expert panel discusses the potential role the plant-based sector has to play in the shifting the food industry to a more sustainable, more nutritious future.Guests:Indy Kaur, Founder, Plant FuturesProfessor Alexandra Johnstone, the Rowett Research Institute of Nutrition and Health, the University of AberdeenDr Marjolijn Bragt, Programme Manager, Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wageningen Food and Biobased ResearchEmer Lowry, Partner, Sustainability and Ethics Specialist in Health, Waitrose